Wind Rock | Hitchhiker's Guide to the Outdoors

War Spur, Wind Rock & Mountain Lake

On April 16^th, 2010, I went hiking to War Spur with my energetic and talkative friend Olivera and not to mention she loves taking picture of herself. We drove through Mountain Lake Resort where the movie Dirty Dancing, starring Patrick Swayze, was filmed in one of the cabins there. We drove pass the resort and the mountain lake, on to a dirt road to reach War Spur and from there we drove further down on a bumpy road (about a mile or so) to Wind Rock trailhead. These trails are located less than 25 minutes drive from Blacksburg. Both trails are short and easy, and each leads to scenic overlooks.

War Spur

War Spur

The War Spur is also known as Chestnut loop near Mountain Lake. This 3 mile loop trail offers panoramic mountain views. From the trail head, we hiked clockwise. The trail passes through thick patch of rhododendron and there is a small stream that crosses the trail. The trail is mostly flat but there are some parts with gradual steep walks. Then the trail comes to an intersection which leads to War Spur overlook. The view from stacks of rocks is gorgeous and you can see some mammoth hemlocks which is one of the main highlight of this hike. The trees were still recovering from winter, it was perfect day with blue sky and cool breeze. The scattered clouds were casting its shadow on the nearby mountains. After spending almost half hour obviously taking pictures of Olivera, we continued the loop clockwise. We saw few chestnut trees along the way as we reached the parking lot. Parking is free but limited. Click here for more pictures…

Wind Rock

Wind Rock

We drove another mile or so to Wind Rock trailhead. The road is very bumpy especially when you have small car like mine. My car was suffering, I could feel her pain. From the parking lot its a quarter-mile hike which leads to a sweeping views of nearby mountains in Jefferson National Forest. You can probably figure out from its name, it’s pretty windy out there. I also saw little snake between the rocks but I wasn’t quick enough to snap any pictures. If you are planning to hike War Spur, make sure you visit Wind Rock, it’s totally worth it. Click here for more pictures…

Mountain Lake

Mountain Lake

On our way back we stopped at Mountain Lake to explore the lake and boulders around it. Virginia only has two natural fresh water lakes and Mountain Lake is one of them. Mountain Lake is not part of the Jefferson National Forest but people hike the surrounding national forest. The lake looked like it was dying. We walked along the lake and climbed one of the boulders and took bunch of pictures before we headed back. Click here for more pictures…

How I got here?